EMC Archives - Erewash Sound

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Highest inflation in four months means Budget must tackle squeeze on business

The upcoming Autumn Budget must be more supportive of business to mitigate pressure on firms, East Midlands Chamber has said, after latest data showed inflation has risen sharply to 2.9% - the highest level in four months. The latest estimated inflation figure from the Office for National Statistics covers the 12 months to July 2026, up from 2.6% in June. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Inflation going the wrong direction – rising again and moving further away […]

19 August 2026 1

Derby

EMCCA welcomes extra powers after government grants new status

The East Midlands Combined County Authority has welcomed additional powers after the Government granted it new status. As an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA), EMCCA now has the right to request new powers and responsibilities. It also unlocks the ability for EMCCA to apply for a more flexible, integrated funding settlement – meaning greater local control over funding and decisions, rather than managing multiple separate funding streams. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, the figurehead of EMCCA, said: “This is a major milestone […]

11 August 2026 13

Derby

Income tax allocation for regional mayors is ‘big leap forward for growth’ in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

‘A big leap forward for growth and for progressing the devolution asks we’ve been calling for’ - East Midlands Chamber’s reaction to a major Government policy change for some revenue from income tax and business rates to be allocated to regional mayors. The changes are expected to begin from Spring 2027 with more detail to be revealed in this year’s Autumn Budget. Under the plan, mayors will get some of the revenues taken from income tax and business rates to be […]

31 July 2026 18

Derby

3.75% interest rate hold offers stability but little relief for firms looking for a better rate to borrow

The East Midlands Chamber has said the Bank of England’s decision to keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.75% gives predictability to business but will frustrate those looking to borrow at a lower level. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Keeping a steady ship amid an uncertain economic climate by not moving the interest rate yet seems a logical decision, especially with the ongoing Middle East conflict, but will be a frustration for firms looking to borrow at […]

30 July 2026 9

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

News

Chamber responds as Government green lights unitary councils for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham

The East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed the Secretary of State's decision to proceed with the two unitary council options requested by Nottingham City Council, which would be subject to Parliamentary approval, but called for the process to bring minimal disruption to business. A Structural Changes Order is being prepared to formalise the reorganisation and is expected to come into force in 2027. It will transfer functions, responsibilities, assets, liabilities and rights from existing councils to the new unitary authorities. […]

30 July 2026 9

Derby

Locally focused technical education in schools is ‘step forward’ in addressing skills gap

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a policy outlined by the Prime Minister during a visit to Derby, for mayors, local leaders and businesses to help shape education in schools to align with the needs of firms in their region. Launched during a visit to the Alstom train factory on 28th July, the Prime Minister’s plan for 14-16s is set to take effect from September 2028. From Year 10, students will be able to combine traditional academic subjects like English, […]

29 July 2026 20

Derby

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

8 out of 10 Midlands businesses have experienced increased costs as a result of the Iran war, according to a survey from four chambers of commerce in the region. Manufacturers have been particularly exposed to rising energy, transport, insurance and raw material costs. East Midlands Chamber, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce surveyed 698 businesses. The four chambers of commerce are calling on Government to recognise the regional impact […]

24 July 2026 10

Derby

Inflation easing to 2.6% encouraging for business

The East Midlands Chamber has said pressure on firms will be alleviated slightly as inflation reached its lowest level since March 2025. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics covers the 12 months to June 2026, down from 2.8% in May. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “With our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 of 2026 having shown inflation to be the greatest concern of East Midlands firms and forecasts from economists […]

22 July 2026 12

Derby

Unemployment in the East Midlands drops to summer 2025 level but skills investment needed

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a slight fall in the region’s unemployment from 5.6% to 5.2% but said skills support should be prioritised to further reduce the level and get suitable candidates into jobs. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics for over 16s in the region covers the period between March and May 2026 and is the lowest level since July to September 2025, which was also 5.2%. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and […]

21 July 2026 15

EMC

Highest inflation in four months means Budget must tackle squeeze on business

EMCCA welcomes extra powers after government grants new status

Income tax allocation for regional mayors is ‘big leap forward for growth’ in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

3.75% interest rate hold offers stability but little relief for firms looking for a better rate to borrow

Chamber responds as Government green lights unitary councils for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham

Locally focused technical education in schools is ‘step forward’ in addressing skills gap

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

Inflation easing to 2.6% encouraging for business

Unemployment in the East Midlands drops to summer 2025 level but skills investment needed

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